thenearshore | Interlude: Meeting with Amaterasu

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Interlude: Meeting with Amaterasu

Who: Amaterasu and characters who have shared information with her, her advisers or her shinki
When: March 8, Evening
Where: The Meeting Hall
What: Amaterasu is bringing together newcomers of proven loyalty in order to share her own information and plans.

New gods and shinki who have offered their help to Amaterasu or her advisers, or who have given her information about any of the cult activities, will find a white-robed shinki knocking at their temple door or dropping by their table at the post-training meal on March 8th.

The invitations have the following text:

Lady Amaterasu invites you and your trusted allies to join her for an important announcement. The shinki who delivered this message will conduct you to the meeting.

The shinki carrying these invitations will wait until the invited person and their guests are ready, or will leave if the invitation is declined.

Guests are directed to an inner room in the Meeting Hall, where, on entry, they will discover that they seem to be floating in an endless dark void. Amaterasu stands at the center of the void, brilliantly illuminated; she's not wearing her usual mirror crown, and there is a short woman in old-fashioned white robes with the sleeves tied back standing beside her.

Amaterasu and the shinki accompanying her begin to speak once everyone has arrived. They have ink paintings of Votelli (although the features aren't very well rendered, as though it was painted from a description rather than by someone who'd seen her) and of Sotero (this painting is much more accurate and detailed.) These paintings are displayed on small stands behind Amaterasu.

"These two rogue gods have declared their enmity against myself and the Heavens through attacking and even imprisoning you, as well as attacking many of my shinki. They have even used humans as their agents to act in the mortal world." She holds out a hand to indicate the sketchier painting. "This one's name is Votelli. She is declared anathema. Should you see her, capture her, and bring her to me." The other, better-drawn painting is next. "This one's name is Sotero. He is declared anathema, and should you see him, capture him and bring him to me.

"We prefer them alive, but if they resist too fiercely to survive capture, we will still reward their captors highly."

The woman behind her takes the paintings down and folds the stands, disappearing into the dark with her armful of props, as Amaterasu continues speaking.

"We have located areas of the Near Shore that these gods have used as their sanctuaries in their invasions of the Heavens. The forest that Votelli used, many of you have visited. However, it seems that she can either hide there too well to be found unless she wills it, or she has gone elsewhere. We continue to search for her. My shinki have searched the volcano that Sotero used, as well, but with no greater success.

"It is possible that these gods have protected themselves somehow from the eyes of my shinki. I ask for your assistance searching for them both."

The woman reappears, without the easels and carrying two handfuls of charms instead; they are small, embroidered pouches that look like the charms found in the department store and around shrines at New Year's. Sabimei steps forward; he looks like he hasn't had enough sleep in weeks, and the harsh spotlight brings out the dark bags under his eyes.

"These things are using a magic I can't figure out," he says: his tone is almost petulant, but he moderates it at a reproving glare from the other shinki. "I suspect it's related to those two gods. I can tell you that they drain good fortune from anything nearby -- these are inert, don't worry, but I wouldn't keep one in my pocket if I were any of you. Burn them, or give them to me, because it's not as if I don't have enough to do--"

At another glare, he clears his throat. "In any case, placing these in our shrines at the New Year's represents a direct attack on our fortunes and our followers'. It seems that these gods consider us all enemies alike. Ask me later if you want to hear more about what I've been doing with these things." He bows, and steps back into the darkness. Amaterasu's formal demeanor softens for long enough to pat her other shinki's arm; the woman smiles down at her before tucking away the charms.

"Several humans have been implicated in assisting the enemy gods," she announces. "We do not act directly against mortals, but my shinki are watching their residences, in case our enemies should appear there. It is possible that there are more, and so, I ask that you help my shinki in that task, for if those two gods are no longer in the places that they once linked to the Heavens, then they must be concealed somewhere. My shinki will show you to these humans' residences if you are willing to assist.

"When we find them, we intend to ride to destroy them, and I invite you to join the hosts of Heaven when we do so, as well."

She folds her hands together, her long sleeves falling down to hide her fingers, and inclines her head in a small, regal bow.

As the presentation ends, the darkness begins to fade, and everyone invited will find themselves standing in an ordinary room with Amaterasu, and with guards at the door and along the walls. The female shinki who had been behind her has disappeared, and she is wearing her crown again, with Sabimei standing just behind her.

It looks like she's ready to take questions now.

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There's a lot to digest here. A lot to figure out. Ebisu was one of the last to approach Amaterasu with questions, and so he's one of the last to hurry out. Quickly, he takes stock of who hasn't run off immediately, and tries to remember everyone's reactions to the presentation.

"I understand everyone had likely just eaten at the training event," he announces loudly, Unmi still behind him, "but if there is anyone who would like to recover from this momentous news, they are more than welcome to come for tea at my temple! I am certain you will all need your energy for when the Heavens call upon you. It is the least I can do in response to your service."

While he was not one to speak with Amaterasu, Aymeric attended with the goal of getting intel. There were a few matters that got his attention and boy was he not happy, even if he kept up a neutral expression. But thankfully, Ebisu and his comrade were present and with such a nice offer.

"Tis most gracious of you to offer. I would not mind taking you on it."

Because Ebisu and Unmi are great people in his mind.

"Very good, then." At least that's one person who hasn't started a fight with Amaterasu. Shun is very much appreciated, and Ebisu thinks he might have had some good points... But he's still very. Um. Blunt?

His shinki could probably say some things further (he knows they weren't very polite about Apollo, after all), but Ebisu won't repeat them.

"Then, if you'll please wait a moment, I'll check to see if any others will come along with us." He pauses for a moment, digging past the bulky kimono to find his phone. "Oh, unless you'd like to go there ahead of me and mine? I can contact some of my shinki at the temple and have them be prepared for you."

Starting a fight when the one who ordered the gathering having an advantage would go poorly for anyone not fully prepared. It is a common factor for battle that running in with a sword half unsheathed will end up with them dead without a strategy. The point of this meeting was to gather intel mostly known by now but the last declaration...well, it's unsettling.

"'Twould be considered rude for me to journey ahead of you after inviting me. I do not mind waiting at all."

Not to mention it would feel super odd if what Ebisu has to do only takes a short time. Aymeric is a patient man so he can afford to wait.

"Very well. Then I shall do my best to not take very long and waste any of your precious time." He'll still keep the phone out, however, to send out a text so that the shinki at home know what he's going to be bringing back... Or, who, rather. It only takes a quick moment, however, before he hurries off to check with others.

Once he's become certain of who is coming, Ebisu wastes no time in escorting everyone to his temple with very handy teleportation at his disposal. Fortunately, they don't need to arrive anywhere but at the very entrance to his temple, with a couple of his shinki already at the doors and holding them open once they see Ebisu's company. There's a small space down on the first floor, with plenty enough room for even the full company that Amaterasu had invited. Considering that Ebisu knows for a fact that he doesn't have that much (Hakkai's temple, for example, had left fairly quickly), he's certain they'll be fine. It's a very elegant and minimalistic space, with a tendency towards the traditional. Only to be expected, of course.

As Aymeric is guided through to the room, he might pick up that there's a certain air of tension of the shinki at the door and those lining the hall, ready with tea pots and cups. No one seems relaxed at all... and it's different than workers who are simply serious minded. Their eyes all seem to carefully track the company that their god has brought with him, as if they're waiting for something to happen.

When Ebisu arrives in the room himself, taking a seat at the head of the table, he releases the shinki with him- Kimi, Aomi, Kiwami. In order, that's the knife, the kimono, and his fishing pole. That still leaves the blue scarf around his throat... and that might stay where it is. Each of his shinki, Unmi included, settle behind him in a neat row.

Ebisu nods over to Aymeric. "Is there a particular tea you prefer, Borel-sama?"

It feels just like it would be as mentioned, a time to try and unwind from the tension from the meeting and besides, the offer of tea is hard to pass up. However, it is when Aymeric follows Ebisu to his temple that the feeling does not go away. It's not smothering but its as if he can taste it on the tip of his tongue; something that is not a factor for trying to relax after a meeting where someone can casually mention that killing child gods is perfectly normal and what should be done.

Honestly, it's just worse. But despite it all, Aymeric's expression does not change, keeping the neutral exterior with nary a step out of turn. This is not the first time he has gone into the lion's den nor will it be the last; it is a game with high stakes but the rewards are greater. But in his case, it's the ability to help others. If this is what he can do, then so be it. He'd be naive to believe that this is simply a different way to 'wind down' considering how Ebisu and his shinki appear, at attention like this was some sort of business meeting. Rather fitting for a god of commerce.

"I find most teas to be pleasing if I have to be honest. You need not to go as far for my comfort." He does have a point; all tea is good but just be careful when mixing them. He did not expect that taste with a fruity tea and milk when he tried it in his kitchen one time. Never again.

When he takes his designated seat, Aymeric's focus is on Ebisu and his shinki. Let's see how this goes.

"Then, I believe a white peony tea might befit the season." Turning his head slightly, he gives a small nod to the shinki behind him. Aomi is the one who comes forward, immediately picking through the large variety of containers on one of the rolling trays that had been brought in. Apparently he's used to it, because it doesn't take him long at all to pick out some loose tea leaves and place them in an appropriate infuser.

While Aomi lets the tea steep, Ebisu lets his hands rest on his lap. "I imagine that meeting was a new experience for you, Borel-sama. I don't believe I've heard of any of the new generation being invited for a private meeting like that with Amaterasu. It's only unfortunate that it involves news of going to war."

What Aymeric says next may surprise Ebisu and quite possibly set the tone for the conversation.

"Only in the Heavens, it is new. But it is far from the first that mentions war that I have participated in."

It will be a moment before he can partake in the tea but since the scene will not play coy, neither shall he.

"However, I am surprised that the full brunt of this attack will be on just these two gods and not on the humans who are creating the chaos. Is this a common tactic used in this realm?"

Honestly, Ebisu can't say it's too surprising. From what he understands, a lot of the new generation of gods seem to be like humans who have been deified, at least as much as he understands such a thing. It could be that he's wrong... but that's what it seems most like for lack of properly understanding the bizarre turn the reincarnation process has taken.

At least it's an upfront sort of discussion... Ebisu could do more subtle discussions, but he thinks he likes these kinds of conversations the most: blunt and upfront. Businesses are better when they approach conversations that way, and he believes that's true for a lot of things. Very faintly, he frowns a little.

"I cannot speak very eloquently on matters that have happened in the past." Due to reincarnating so much, and all. "However... I can understand why there would be a certain reluctance to go after mortals, although perhaps Heaven itself is only dismissing them. The two shores are incredibly different from one another, including down to their inhabitants." He inclines his head slightly at Aymeric. "If a god were to meddle too strongly in mortal affairs, then, as a much stronger being, things could go out of control very quickly. Have you talked with many on what it means to be a god, Borel-sama?"

"The only matters discussed when it comes to these duties is to follow what they had done before me and to help the people." Not much else he does know nor will anyone say; when someone questions it, there's always a scorn from those in this realm. He remembers when he spoke to Amaterasu during the Gods' Meeting and when he was concerned about his homeland and his disappearance; her answer did not help him in the slightest because no matter what anyone says, he is a son of Ishgard.

"Might I inquire about how gods are born? I want to be sure before suddenly speaking about my own thoughts, in order to understand better."

"Oh, of course." It's not something that's exactly a secret among gods, although Ebisu supposes he can only say that for certain with his generation. The circumstances regarding this newer one are much more peculiar. At any rate, this is apparently just enough time for the tea to have finished steeping, and Aomi begins to pour it for the two of them. Promptly, a soft and sweet smell begins to waft up into the air.

It's a nicer thing than the meeting they've just left, at any rate.

"Gods are born from the beliefs of humans. Even children can create a god just by playing a game, although that time is generally fairly past." There are a lot more variety in games that children can play, after all. "To continue existing, they require the constant belief and worship from humans. The more humans which believe in and worship a god, and the strong that they become. It's why my sister and I can bear the weight of so many shinki names, because we are believed in so strongly and by so many."

The thought he has is unsettling but it is a grave one on Heaven's part. Something they are willing to turn the other cheek on and expose themselves? If no one catches this, innocents will die. And if that is extreme, it's Aymeric's job as Lord Commander to think it and to make a plan to ensure it doesn't. Even with the fury of a mental storm in his mind, he keeps himself composed.

"And if that is true...then I fear the higher powers have exposed themselves to a terrible fate." There's no sugarcoating it and Aymeric continues. "As you confirmed, while a god can be powerful, they are nothing without the people who worship them. Let us think if the Heavens succeed in vanquishing these two: what makes them believe that these cultists would not pray to give birth to another god? People are not so easily swayed when a plan fails, if anything, they work harder for it."

He takes a sip of the tea once it is ready and it's very good. A small comfort but he will take it.

"Nor are they willing to forget. These people...they will not stop if they believe what they are fighting for is right. If Heaven goes down this path...they will not find salvation but rather a war that will not end well for anyone involved. I know this because my homeland was also subjected to it for a thousand years and we have just ended it. If there is a way to stop this at the root, killing those two will not be the answer."

"That's assuming that the two renegade gods simply won't reincarnate..." As someone who was once a renegade god himself, apparently, well, Ebisu feels it's only proper for him to bring it up. "From the information we have been provided with so far, then it doesn't seem as if the two of them have any shinki to properly guide them."

...Well. Not counting Kimi, but that's a complicated case, and not something that has been settled yet. It's also not something he's really interested in telling other people about

"If they're left on their own, with only the prayers of their followers to guide them... Then they may follow the same path as before. This sort of thing is exactly why the exemplar of a temple is so important." Carefully, he takes a slow sip of his tea. "Of course, I am not a god of war, so perhaps I am simply finding excuses to avoid such matters."

...Which, in its own way, is an excuse of its own.

"I like to believe more matters than not can be settled peacefully... but Heaven is always right and just."

"That is also my wish. If there is a way that meaningless bloodshed can be prevented, then I would work towards it. As Lord Commander," There is no 'former' in there, that is his title and will be it until either he dies or passes it on. "my focus was and still remains the protection of my people. I would be a naive fool to say that all battles can be avoided because reality seems to make themselves known. So I try my best to ensure that it does not happen."

A part of him mentally winces, wanting to say how there is no way anyone can always be just and right every single day. But if Aymeric does, then it would not look good on him. Setting his teacup down, he laces his fingers and looks straight at Ebisu.

"Pray excuse this question but...why is it that Heaven is always just and right?" The tone holds nothing accusatory but genuine curiosity. Maybe of the newer generation, no one has asked why of it.

"Oh." Absolutely no one of the new generation has asked the old about such a phrasing, and that likely shows in how Ebisu pauses, blinking. No prior experience means he doesn't have a more practiced spiel on hand. Fortunately, he is glad to say he has an excuse. "I'm afraid that, as I am still relatively a new incarnation, I cannot give you as indepth an answer as I would like. Please give me a moment to confer with my exemplar, as I'm certain he would have a better idea." With that, he looks away and begins to sip his tea again, eyes going a little vacant as if in deep thought.

As a god himself, Aymeric should understand what's going on well enough.

After a moment of thoughtful tea sipping and silence, Ebisu blinks a few times. "Pardon me," he says politely. "I didn't mean to keep you waiting. Then, from what I understand... Heaven's laws are always just simply because they are Heaven's laws. For Heaven, justice means 'peace', over anything else." Carefully, he sets his cup down. "At least, from what my exemplar can explain to me." Perhaps Iwami would know more, or the others. However, this is what he can provide at the moment. "So because Heaven's laws bring peace, they are just, in summary."

No matter the method in which that peace is brought. No matter if it is utterly silencing other voices. Peace before all else.

Good thing Aymeric does not see himself as a god; he is simply a man doing a duty before him. It's when he succumbs to the notion that he will no longer be himself but a being meant to be put to the sword.

Yeah, Eorzea has a big thing about 'gods coming down in physical form'. As in, get the Warrior of Light to kill them before the world gets fucked up. The 'you are a primal now' still gets to him after a year. One cannot simply get over it.

"And yet what is the cost that peace? Is it to truly to help their fellows on both shores or is it a way to simply keep others quiet and to turn the other cheek?"

Edited (Grammar. I has it.) 2018-12-24 20:02 (UTC)

"Well... Disasters which occur in one shore are often reflected in its opposite." His thumb rubs against the smooth surface of his cup slowly. "God which go to war with one another can cause a lot of trouble for the Near Shore, for example... I think that showed itself in the year prior, when three of your generation were lost in very close proximity to one another. The way ayakashi reacted, with particularly large and powerful ones coming out of hiding, shows the link we have whether we ask for it or not."

Their connection to the Near Shore, how their followers flock to them, who is made a God of Fortune... none of that is their choice. They simply have to deal with it.

"At any rate, I suppose Heaven would say... there isn't any cost that is high enough if it keeps the peace." What Heaven says. Not what Ebisu himself says.

"And what about yourself, Master Ebisu? What is your thought on it all?"

He takes another sip, calmly as he ponders what to say next. Or rather, should he say it? It is like reopening a wound as he can remember the words spoken clear in his mind:

("Why must you do this, Father!? Nidhogg is fallen! There is no need for further deception! Now is the time to renounce the lies which led us down to this path--to start anew!"

"And tear down the very pillars of our society--our history, our values--everything that we have built over a thousand years? A fool to the last.")

Damn, it's just a repeat of the same mistakes isn't it? It is only that idealism that leads him to believe that there is hope for Heaven but this is not the way to do it.

"Do you believe the cost is just?"

Behind him, his shinki very very carefully watch the conversation. It's a struggle for all of them to appear so calm, but they all manage well enough in their own ways: experience, personality, focus. One way or the other, they manage. Their god's response is what's most important.

Ebisu is well aware of this himself, of course, and he takes another sip of his tea before giving an answer. "For myself, the lives of humans are what is most important. That people died during the God Meeting, when my temple was responsible for looking over the Near Shore, is something that I still find to be impermissible. Thus, my priorities lie within keeping those of the Near Shore safe from harm and protecting my own temple. I will do what is necessary to follow through with those goals."

Hopefully that's enough of an answer without him having to say anything upfront on either spectrum. None of it is a lie, either, exactly...

It's not what Ebisu says that makes Aymeric think; it's what he doesn't. After all the somewhat praise of the Heavens, when asked for his own opinion, the subject changes. Now anyone else would find such a tactic horrible but Aymeric sees beyond the words. Mayhap to keep appearances? To protect?

Either way, he has a feeling that the god of fortune does not fully agree with 'Heaven is just' as Aymeric takes another sip of his tea. Or maybe he's pulling this thought out of his ass. Either way, there's more to it than meets the eye.

"For it is the people who will shape their own fates. They are much more resourceful than one believes, only if they believe it themselves and are given that chance to grow and learn. That is what I believe."

"I believe in that kind of thing myself, Borel-sama." Talking about mortals seems to perk Ebisu up properly. "People can only be helped by other people. As gods, it is our duty to nurture their existence, and keep them safe... But we cannot truly solve their problems. Frankly speaking, I think it's much more interesting to allow mortal lives to grow and change in the way that only they can!"

If they could keep talking about mortal lives and how precious they are, he'd find that much more appealing than having to talk about Heaven's latest campaign, at least for the time being.

"To let the people chose for themselves for they are capable of living how they see fit." It also makes Aymeric seem at ease all the same. "I too am in agreement: while we can attempt to give direction, it is them who must choose and follow it."

To be honest, if he could, he would gush about the people of Heligoland. He loves being around them.

"People are capable of great things...if only given the chance."

"Exactly!" Truly a pair of kindred spirits have found one another, and the change in atmosphere seems to ease up the shinki directly behind him at least to some degree. Tea forgotten for a moment, Ebisu leans forward, truly invested.

"Although I would say that simply living is a great thing, and that their daily lives commonly demonstrate so much! For example, riding bikes, or being able to skip rope! Dancing, cooking, skiing... There are so many different things people are capable of doing on a regular basis!"

"Matters that some may take for granted. I can certainly understand when I had found myself learning how to drive and to some, it feels like business as usual."

He got looks when he started driving a scooter and was so giddy about it. Thankfully it was in Heligoland so they brushed it off as him just enjoying the simple things.

"Sometimes the best moments are the simplest. There needs not a celebration for them but recognition goes a long way."

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Interlude: Meeting with Amaterasu

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Reeeaaaally late, I hope this is fine